YZI Labs of CZ Binance, PayPal, SUPERTEAM UAE Alex Scott, CEO of Dubai DET Marwan Alzaroun at Unchained Summit DUBAI 2025: Speaker list, Network Hacks, Insights | Aleksei DOLGIKH

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Key Points Of Article

  • The Middle East, especially the UAE, is a growing hub for cryptocurrency payments, with platforms like PaybyBit enabling seamless transactions.
  • The Unchained Summit 2025, held in Dubai, features key industry leaders, particularly from the UAE, highlighting the region’s role in blockchain innovation.
  • While the full list of speakers is extensive, those based in the Middle East are most relevant to the article’s focus on regional cryptocurrency trends.
  • Regulatory support and events like the Unchained Summit suggest a bright future for digital currencies in the Middle East.

Overview of Cryptocurrency Payments

The Middle East is quickly becoming a leader in cryptocurrency adoption, with the UAE at the forefront. Companies like PaybyBit are making it easier for businesses to accept digital currencies, supported by clear regulations from bodies like the UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This growth is fueled by a 166% increase in crypto traders in 2024, with 72% of UAE users investing in Bitcoin.

Unchained Summit 2025

The Unchained Summit 2025, scheduled for April 28-29 in Dubai, showcases the region’s importance in the global crypto landscape. The event brings together experts to discuss blockchain and digital finance. Speakers from the Middle East, such as Sandeep Nailwal of Polygon Labs and Kostas Chalkias of Mysten Labs, emphasize the UAE’s role in driving innovation.

Why It Matters

Conferences like the Unchained Summit highlight the Middle East’s growing influence in cryptocurrency. By featuring local and global leaders, the event fosters collaboration and innovation, making the region a key player in the future of digital payments.

The Rise of Cryptocurrency Payments in the Middle East: An Overview by Your CoinMarketCap Truly Aleksei Dolgikh

Introduction

The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a global hub for cryptocurrency adoption, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading the charge. Businesses and consumers are increasingly embracing digital currencies, driven by innovative platforms like PaybyBit, which simplifies cryptocurrency payments. As Aleksei Dolgikh, a Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) and scout for venture capitalists in Dubai, I have witnessed this transformation firsthand. In this article, I provide a comprehensive overview of cryptocurrency payments in the Middle East, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

The Surge of Cryptocurrency in the Middle East

The Middle East has seen a remarkable 166% increase in cryptocurrency traders in 2024, with the UAE leading the charge, according to Bitget Research. Approximately 72% of UAE crypto users are actively investing in Bitcoin, reflecting the region’s enthusiasm for digital assets. This growth is supported by progressive regulatory frameworks, such as the UAE’s Dubai Blockchain Strategy, which aimed to make Dubai a blockchain-powered city by 2020.

PaybyBit, a Dubai-based startup, has been instrumental in this shift. Founded in June 2023, PaybyBit offers an all-in-one cryptocurrency payment solution that enables merchants to accept digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum without needing deep blockchain expertise. Its recognition as the winner of the Middle East Startup Awards 2022-23 underscores its impact on the region’s fintech landscape.

Regulatory clarity is another key driver. The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has taken a progressive stance by allowing banks to collaborate with cryptocurrency exchanges, facilitating seamless deposits and withdrawals (CNN Business). In contrast, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) does not recognize cryptocurrencies as legal tender but remains open to monitoring developments. The UAE’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) further enhances trust by providing a secure framework for crypto transactions.

Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

Key Trends Shaping the Future

Several trends are defining the trajectory of cryptocurrency payments in the Middle East:

  1. Progressive Regulation: The UAE’s VARA and Bahrain’s CBB are setting global standards for crypto regulation, balancing innovation with consumer protection. These frameworks encourage businesses to adopt cryptocurrencies confidently.
  2. Cross-Border Efficiency: The Middle East’s role as a trade hub makes cryptocurrencies appealing for cross-border transactions. Digital currencies offer faster and cheaper alternatives to traditional banking, as noted in a McKinsey report.
  3. Integration with Traditional Finance: Partnerships like Ripple’s collaborations with UAE banks are bridging the gap between crypto and traditional finance, enabling faster cross-border payments.
  4. Security Challenges: Despite the growth, security remains a concern. High-profile incidents, such as the Ronin bridge hack, highlight the need for robust security measures. Companies like Certik, co-founded by Ronghui Gu, are addressing this through advanced smart contract auditing.

Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

Conference Context: Unchained Summit 2025

The Middle East’s prominence in the cryptocurrency world is further underscored by events like the Unchained Summit 2025, a major conference taking place on 28-29 April 2025 at Kempinski Central Avenue, Downtown Dubai. This event brings together leading figures from the industry, showcasing the region’s vibrant blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem. The conference features a diverse array of speakers, including industry leaders from around the world. Notably, several speakers are based in the Middle East, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of digital finance.

Speakers at Unchained Summit 2025 (Middle East Focus)

The Unchained Summit 2025 features a strong representation from the Middle East, with speakers such as:

  • Kostas Chalkias, Co-Founder and Chief Cryptographer, Mysten Labs & Sui (UAE)
  • Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder, Polygon Labs (Dubai)
  • Reeve Collins, Chairman & Co-Founder, Pi Protocol & WeFi (UAE)
  • Abdulla Al Dhaheri, CEO, The Blockchain Center (UAE)
  • Tekin Salimi, Founder & Managing Partner, dao5 (UAE)
  • José F. Pereira, Executive Director, Own (UAE)
  • Aurelie Dhellemmes, RippleX Partner Success VP, Ripple (UAE)
  • Shaishav Todi, General Partner, Lemniscap (UAE)
  • Viktor Fischer, Founder & CEO, RockawayX (UAE)
  • Karan Gandhi, CFA - Partner, Cypher Capital (UAE)
  • Alexander Scott, Middle East Lead, Solana Superteam (UAE)
  • Nikita Sachdev, CEO, LunaPR (UAE)
  • Anurag Arjun, Co-Founder, Avail (UAE)

These industry leaders are at the forefront of driving innovation and adoption of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies in the Middle East. The conference also includes global experts such as Ronghui Gu, Co-Founder of Certik (USA), Ella Zhang, Head of YZi Labs (USA), Sreeram Kannan, Founder & CEO of EigenLayer (USA), and May Zabaneh, VP of Product at PayPal (USA), reflecting the global interest in the region’s cryptocurrency developments.

As a scout for venture capitalists, I, Aleksei Dolgikh, actively participate in these conferences to identify promising startups and technologies. These events are invaluable for networking and staying ahead of industry trends. Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

Opportunities for Collaboration

The Middle East’s cryptocurrency ecosystem offers immense opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and technology providers. Startups like PaybyBit demonstrate the potential for innovation, while regulatory support creates a fertile ground for growth. As a CVO and founder of UnicornWitnesses, I am dedicated to connecting investors with transformative projects that can redefine finance.

For those interested in collaborating or supporting my work, I am available for discussions via WhatsApp or Botim at +79528485427 (please note, I do not accept incoming calls; send a text, and I will call if appropriate). You can also support my efforts by donating to my cryptocurrency wallets:

  • BTC: bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz
  • SOL: 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1
  • TON: UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE
  • ETH/BNB: 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea

Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

Conclusion

The Middle East is poised to lead the global cryptocurrency revolution, with innovative companies, supportive regulations, and vibrant industry conferences driving progress. From PaybyBit’s payment solutions to the insights shared at events like the Unchained Summit 2025, the region is a hotbed of opportunity. As Aleksei Dolgikh, I am committed to fostering this ecosystem through my work as a scout and advocate for digital innovation. For collaborations or support, please reach out or consider donating to my cryptocurrency wallets. Together, we can shape the future of finance in the Middle East and beyond. Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

About the Author

Aleksei Dolgikh is a Chief Visionary Officer and scout for venture capitalists, private equity firms, and family offices, based in Dubai, UAE. With a background in digital product development and quality assurance, Aleksei is passionate about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology’s potential to transform the global economy. He is also the founder of UnicornWitnesses, a non-profit community dedicated to socially-relevant digital products. For collaborations or support, contact him via WhatsApp or Botim at +79528485427 or donate to his cryptocurrency wallets: BTC (bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz), SOL (7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1), TON (UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE), or ETH/BNB (0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea). Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

Unchained Summit Dubai 2025 Speakers List by Aleksei Dolgikh

  • Ronghui Gu: Co-Founder, Certik, USA
  • Ella Zhang: Head of YZi labs, YZi Labs, USA
  • Kostas Chalkias: Co-Founder and Chief Cryptographer, Mysten Labs & Sui, UAE
  • Sreeram Kannan: Founder & CEO, EigenLayer, USA
  • May Zabaneh: VP of Product - Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Currencies, PayPal, USA
  • Luca Schnetzler: CEO, Pudgy Penguins, USA
  • Greg Scanlon: VP Quantitative Blockchain, Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, USA
  • Keone Hon: Co-Founder, Monad Foundation, USA
  • Sandeep Nailwal: Co-Founder, Polygon Labs, Dubai
  • Lennix Lai: Global Chief Commercial Officer, OKX, Hong Kong
  • Yat Siu: Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands, Hong Kong
  • Richard Muirhead: Chairman & Managing Partner, Fabric Ventures, UK
  • Richard Ma: CEO & Founder, Quantstamp, Japan
  • Reeve Collins: Chairman & Co-Founder, Pi Protocol & WeFi, UAE
  • Michael Heinrich: Co-Founder & CEO, 0G Labs, USA
  • Rushi Manche: Co-Founder and Lead Architect, Movement Labs, USA
  • Alex Odagiu: Investment Director, YZi labs, UK
  • Mark Rydon: Co-Founder & CSO, Aethir, Singapore
  • Katherine Dowling: General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Bitwise Asset Management, USA
  • Shuyao Kong: Co-Founder, MegaETH, USA
  • Abdulla Al Dhaheri: CEO, The Blockchain Center, UAE
  • Tekin Salimi: Founder & Managing Partner, dao5, UAE
  • Ben Lakoff: General Partner, Bankless Ventures, Portugal
  • Vivien Lin: Chief Product Officer, BingX, Canada
  • Sébastien Borget: Co-Founder & COO, The Sandbox, France
  • Aurelie Dhellemmes: RippleX Partner Success VP, Ripple, UAE
  • Leeor Groen: Managing Director, Spartan Group, Switzerland
  • Jack Platts: Co-Founder, Hypersphere Ventures, USA
  • Sam Kim: Managing Partner, Big Brain Holdings, UK
  • Bam Azizi: CEO and Co-Founder, Mesh, USA
  • José F. Pereira: Executive Director, Own, UAE
  • Christian Pusateri: Co-Founder & CEO, Mind Network, USA
  • Nils Andersen-Röed: Global Head of FIU, Binance, Amsterdam
  • Isaac Choo: Principal, Mirana Ventures, Singapore
  • Akshat Vaidya: Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Maelstrom, Hong Kong
  • Dyma Budorin: Co-Founder, Hacken, UAE
  • Herman Narula: CEO, Improbable, UK
  • Clarence Zhou: Investment Director, Fenbushi Capital, China
  • Clara Tsao: Founding Officer, Filecoin Foundation, USA
  • Jason P. Allegrante: Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Fireblocks, USA
  • Martin de Rijke: Head of Growth, Maple Finance, Netherlands
  • Sap: Co-Founder, tLabs
  • Shaishav Todi: General Partner, Lemniscap, UAE
  • Tobias Bauer: General Partner, TBV, Singapore
  • Augie Ilag: Investment Partner & Head of Asia, CMT Digital, Singapore
  • Viktor Fischer: Founder & CEO, RockawayX, UAE
  • Yan Ma: Executive Director, Spartan Group, Singapore
  • Eshan Chordia: Co-Founder, Lumino AI, USA
  • Ben Fielding: Co-founder, Gensyn, UK
  • Karan Gandhi: CFA - Partner, Cypher Capital, UAE
  • Alexander Scott: Middle East Lead, Solana Superteam, UAE
  • Nikita Sachdev: CEO, LunaPR, UAE
  • Caroline York: Co-Chair, Web3 & Blockchain Committee, Fintech Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Gaurav Sharma: CTO, io.net, Thailand
  • Anantha Krishnan: Founder, MOI NETWORK, USA
  • Jeremy Ng: Founder and CEO, OpenEden, Singapore
  • Anurag Arjun: Co-Founder, Avail, UAE
  • Itay Azaraty: Founder, Ecotrader, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Anies Khan: Investment Associate, Greenfield, Germany
  • Alena Afanaseva: Founder and CEO, BeInCrypto, Argentina

Overview by your CoinMarketCap truly Aleksei Dolgikh | for hate, support, love and collaborations, donate: at my BTC wallet bc1qvf6hlcnlqttj02gcl65v4x44u9aayly58gdfuz or at my SOL wallet 7JpUfPq3XQ6r1oRy16ne2HtzZ7XjmRigatkRL2kfSpQ1 or at my TON wallet UQApDresuUB2SoP5aBUDDg06bKgcHAWTRAYBddKluZhHZ3UE or at my ETH/BNB wallet 0x211D91beD006f7bB3Eaf97496260a8F905298Cea | 👨🏼‍🌾🦄 Any time text Aleksei Dolgikh in WA/Botim +79528485427, newer awailable for incoming call, there is always one scenario, you write a text, I call if I want to :)

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